The Christmas Guest
Will be published approx. on 20. August 2026
Book
Hardback
32 pages
978-1-915749-31-4 (ISBN)
Description
Who is Martin waiting for? And what if his Guest has already arrived?
In the old French city of Marseille, it's Christmas Day and Martin the shoemaker is waiting. He's expecting a very special guest, and his heart is full of hope and anticipation.
But as the hours pass, something extraordinary unfolds. Martin gives warmth to a shivering street sweeper. He shares a meal with a young mother in need. He places shoes on the bare feet of a little boy. He offers friendship to a lonely old woman who has no one.
And when night finally falls and his guest still hasn't come... Martin begins to wonder.
Or has the Guest been there all along?
A story of unexpected grace, quiet generosity, and the true heart of Christmas.
The Christmas Guest is a timeless festive tale rooted in one of the most beloved Christmas stories ever written: Papa Panov's Special Day. Rich with warmth, compassion, and quiet surprise, it speaks to children and adults alike, asking the question at the very heart of Christmas: what does it really mean to welcome someone in?
In the old French city of Marseille, it's Christmas Day and Martin the shoemaker is waiting. He's expecting a very special guest, and his heart is full of hope and anticipation.
But as the hours pass, something extraordinary unfolds. Martin gives warmth to a shivering street sweeper. He shares a meal with a young mother in need. He places shoes on the bare feet of a little boy. He offers friendship to a lonely old woman who has no one.
And when night finally falls and his guest still hasn't come... Martin begins to wonder.
Or has the Guest been there all along?
A story of unexpected grace, quiet generosity, and the true heart of Christmas.
The Christmas Guest is a timeless festive tale rooted in one of the most beloved Christmas stories ever written: Papa Panov's Special Day. Rich with warmth, compassion, and quiet surprise, it speaks to children and adults alike, asking the question at the very heart of Christmas: what does it really mean to welcome someone in?
Reviews / Votes
A delightful Christmas tale with a heart that is - like Christmas - full of love, truth, and surprises. Perfect for families to share together. -- Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Carnegie Medal winner and Waterstones Children's LaureateMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
SPCK Publishing
Target group
Children/juvenile
Interest Age: From 4 to 7 years
Illustrations
picture book
Dimensions
Height: 260 mm
Width: 215 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-915749-31-4 (9781915749314)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Kathryn Simmonds is an award winning poet and author. Her books for children include, Be My Sunflower, Trouble at the Bug Hotel (both with Walker Books), Twenty Bears, Twenty Bears on Holiday (both with Bloomsbury Children's Books), and Princes Don't Practice (Macmillan). She lives with her family in Norwich and loves helping with children's ministry at her church. Elena Selivanova has worked for over 25 years in children's book illustration and has illustrated over 100 books, including 'Twas the Evening of Christmas and 'Twas the Morning of Easter (Zonderkidz).